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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 05-26-15 Regular MeetingNUQUAMAUM UF TAE GITT UF i • REGULAR MEETING MAY 26, 1 The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting on May 26, 2015, at 6 :35 p.m., in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California, Mayor Marquez presiding. PRESENT: Council Members:: Luis H. Marquez Alex Saab Sean Ashton Roger C. Brossmer Fernando Vasquez Mayor Mayor Pro Tern Council Member Council Member Council Member ALSO PRESENT: Gilbert Livas, City Manager Yvette M. Abich Garcia, City Attorney Adria M. Jimenez, CMC, City Clerk John Oskoui, Assistant City Manager Shannon DeLong, Assistant to the City Manager Carl Charles, Chief of Police Mark.Gillaspie, Fire Chief Mohammad Mostahkami, Public Works Director Arlene Salazar, Parks& Recreation Director Aldo Schindler, Community Development Director Anil Gandhy, Finance Director The Invocation was delivered by Pastor Isaac Thompson of Love, Peace & Happiness Family Christian Fellowship. The Flag Salute was led by members of the Warren High School Humanitarian Society. COUNCIL i UNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS Mayor Pro Tern Saab welcomed everyone to the Council Meeting and recognized Alex Gaytan, Ricardo Perez, Dan Latham, and Joanna Peterson and Jeannie Wood, Chamber of Commerce Board Members, whom were in the audience. Mayor Pro Ter Saab reported on the City's Public- Works Awareness Appreciation Month and expressed his appreciation by serving breakfast and noted the many public services Public Works provides. He thanked Stay Gallery for their STEAM Festival held on Saturday and announced the following_ upcoming Chamber of Commerce events: Networking Luncheon at La Barca, King Cobra Martial Arts School Ribbon Cutting, and the Chamber of Commerce installation scheduled for June 24. He advised Saturday is Relay for Life at Downey Adult School and encouraged everyone to participate. He invited the public to attend a Landlord Workshop, Downey Library, conducted by the Fair Housing Foundation. He encouraged everyone to visit the Columbia Memorial Center's website to review their upcoming summer events. He noted Temple and Rio San Gabriel Parks are undergoing playground equipment upgrades and maintenance. He reported attending the Contract Cities Conference in Indian Wells and reported attending the session regarding public transportation, the challenges within the state, and creative ways other communities are using to tackle transportation issues. He requested staff consider adopting a policy providing a holiday discount to Veterans at the Rio Hondo Golf Course. He requested and update on the sidewalks, intersection Upgrades, and monument installation on Firestone Blvd. and Downey Avenue. He requested staff review the parking signs at the Bus Depot and asked the signage be more prominent. Mayor Pro Tern Saab advised residents will see notable changes having to do with water reduction mandates imposed by the State and advised residents if they have any concerns or questions to contact the City. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting— May 26, 2015 City Manager Livas stated the sidewalks installation is moving forward and the monument signs are in the engineering process and will be installed by summer. Mr. Mostahkami advised the installation of the decorative crosswalks will occur after school is out in June as lane closures are required. City Manager Livas advised there are signs at the Bus Depot regarding parking, but staff will revisit the location to identify if the signs can be made more visible. Council Member Ashton welcomed everyone to the City Council Meeting. He recognized Planning Commissioner Owens who was in the audience. He reported attending the Contract Cities Conference in Indian Wells and reported attending the session regarding Public Transportation led by Caltrans with speakers Council Member Janice Hahn and Senator Tony Mendoza and discussed ideas- to raises funds for street repair, which included implementing a fee for port transportation or implementing a new gas tax. He reported attending the STEAM Festival and the Memorial Day events and thanked staff for their work. He reported attending the Downey Coordinating Council awards and noted it was nice to see volunteers in the City receive awards Council Member Vasquez welcomed everyone to the Council Meeting and recognized Green Task Force Commissioner Ricardo Perez and the Downey Court. He reported attending the California Contract Cities Conference and reported attending the session regarding retention of talent at the local municipal level, and commented on the information he received regarding the disconnect between the retiring generation and the millennial generation and how cities need to create retention plans and promote from within. Council Member Vasquez also recognized Blanca Pacheco, President of Downey Kiwanis, who was in the audience. He also reported meeting with Edison and Public Works staff regarding light pole replacement in the north side of Downey; an update will be provided by Edison tonight. Council Member Brossmer commented on Public Works Week and their appreciation breakfast. He reported on the STEAM Festival collaborated between DUSD, Stay Gallery, and Downey Federal Credit Union. He thanked staff for their work on Memorial Day and thanked American Legion Post 270 and the Lions Club for their participation. He encouraged residents to participate in the Relay for Life and Greek Festival_ events this weekend and stated he is looking forward to tonight's presentations. Council Member Brossmer reported attending the Contract Cities Conference and reported attending the session on City branding initiatives, noting he will provide suggestions on additional ideas for the City's branding initiative. Mayor Marquez welcomed everyone to the Council Meeting and thanked them for attending. He reported attending the Contract Cities Association Conference and reported attending the session regarding cyber security which highlighted the international and national security issues, noting cities are not immune and how cities can improve information technology and protect information from being hacked. He recognized Public Works in honor of Annual Public Works Appreciation Week and thanked them for their day -to -day work. Mayor Marquez commented on Emergency Preparedness and noted Andrew Stevens, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator represented the City at CFED California EMS Disaster Symposium. He commented on the Memorial Day activities held in Downey and the importance of remembering the significance of the day and assisting the youth in understanding the importance of Memorial Day. He thanked Downey Cemetery Commission and staff for the events. Mayor Marquez announced KNEX Radio 1070 will be broadcasting live, "On Your Corner," from Porto's. The program will highlight the history and new happenings in Downey on June 12. Mayor Marquez updated the audience on the upcoming Special Olympics World Games events noting sponsorships are still being accepted and residents can now purchase merchandise in support of the Special Olympics World Games. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — May 26, 2015 2 PRESENTATIONS 1. Mayor Marquez, CityCouncil, and Director of Parks and Recreation Salazar, presented a Certificate of Recognition to Downey Lions Club for their contribution towards the City's Special Olympics World Games Host Town Program. 2. Mayor Marquez, City Council, and Assistant to the City Manager DeLong presented Certificates of Recognition to Library Card Design Challenge Winners:- Jenapher Moore, Cari Purmort, and Madison Criollo. 3. Mayor Marquez and Chamber of Commerce Representative Joanna Peterson presented Certificates of Recognition to Downey Street Faire Volunteers. 4. Mayor Marquez and Andrew Stevens, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, presented Certificates of Recognition to Warren High School Humanitarian Society for their participation in the Community Emergency Response Team Exercise. 5. Mayor Marquez and City Council presented a Certificate of Recognition to Rita Rodarte, Event Leader, Downey Relay for Life. 6. Mayor Marquez and City Council presented Certificates of Recognition to Downey Greek Food Festival Organizers. 7. Mayor Marquez, City Council, Chief Charles and representatives from the California Highway Patrol presented CHP 10851 Awards to Downey Police Department Officers: Corporal Kendall, Corporal Weinrich; Corporal Hill; Officer Bassi and Officer Hernandez. PUBLIC HEARING 1. FEDERAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT AND HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP GRANTS FY2015 -20 CONSOLIDATED PLAN, FY2015 -16 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN, AND ANALYSIS OF IMPEDIMENTS TO FAIR HOUSING CHOICE: Community Development. Mayor Marquez opened the Public Hearing at 7:55 p.m. City Clerk Jimenez affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Saab, seconded by Council Member Brossmer, and so ordered by Mayor Marquez, to receive and file. City Clerk Jimenez noted there was no correspondence received. Ed Velasco, Housing Manager, noted this item is regarding the annual entitlement the City receives from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The recommendation following the public hearing is for the City Council to approve the 5 -year Consolidated Action Plan and analysis of impediments to fair housing, transmit the documents as required, authorize the City Manager to enter into and execute each agreement, including the award agreements for our public service subrecipient module. The Consolidated Plan is required by HUD every 5- years, is a comprehensive report which serves as a planning guide for the use of the Federal CDBG and HOME City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — May 26, 2015 3 grants over the next five -year period; is the Evaluation of the City's needs in terms of affordable housing and support services for low - and moderate- income residents; and, establishes goals and objectives and performance outcomes. The Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI) is required by HUD every 3 -years and is an assessment of City and private- sector - activities that impact fair housing choices in the community. The Al supplements the 5 -year Consolidated Plan and addresses HUD's requirement of furthering fair housing with actions to promote and /or address impediments or barriers to fair housing in Downey. This plan has recommendations to eliminating or improving barriers in Downey. The Annual Action Plan summarizes all the actions and activities recommended by staff to the City Council and those activities for the use of the Federal Block Grant and Home Funds. It addresses priority needs and specific goals included in the 5 -year plan. The most important component is the funds we receive from the Federal Government. This year the City is receiving $1,394,053, a reduction of 4 % from the prior year; 3% less in CDBG than the current year or $30,966 less; and, in HOME funds the City is receiving $334,592 or 8% reduction from the current year, or $31,128 Jess. Mr. Velasco reviewed the recommendations for allocation of funds. If approved by the City Council it will be reflected in the City Budget. The biggest is 33% of housing activity, followed by 24% of economic Development, 20% for general administration, 12% for public services, and 11 % code enforcement. For the HOME Program, funds can only be used for affordable needs housing activities: 75% eligible Housing activities, 15% community housing development organizations (Habitat For Humanity) and 10% general administration. The City is limited to 15% of the allocation and this year there was a 3% reduction. Staff's recommendation is to fund the same recipients of the grant program for FY 2014 -2015 and pass along the 3% reduction to each of the organizations. He reviewed the PowerPoint with this comparing this year's allocation to next year's allocation. Mayor Pro Tern Saab asked if it is possible to anticipate the reduction in funds received. Mr. Velasco advised the assumption is that every year the City will see a minor reduction, but the exact amount is unknown. Mr. Velasco continued reviewing the presentation noting the grant recipients and reflected their proposed budget and what percentage makes up the City's contribution to that entity. Five additional requests for grants were requested by: Southern California Rehabilitation Services Organization, Downey PTA Helps Program, Watch It Grown Urban Garden Foundation, Youth Exploration Center, and Downey Art Vibe. In conclusion, the City received less funding and it was difficult for staff to allocate funds and make recommendation to City Council Mayor Pro Tern Saab requested information regarding the request from PTA Helps Program. Mr. Velasco advised PTA Helps receives $21,000 provided by the City of Downey's general fund. Their request was to receive an additional $4,000 to supplement that program from the CDBG program. Mr. Velasco referred to page 4 of the staff report for additional information on funding allocations. Mayor Marquez, at 8:09 p.m., opened this item for public comment Vanessa Saldana, The Whole Child, thanked the City Council for their partnership and provided information on services provided to the City of Downey and Downey families noting 13 families were housed and assisted and four families received a shelter place care voucher. Families coming in ill and are not able to obtain assistance from Department of Public Social Services because their income is above _30 %_AMI equates to 40 individuals, and 15 families. The Whole Child is the only agency providing services to homeless families in Downey. Council Member Vasquez asked how much funding received last year was spent on Downey families and how much was used for administrative costs. Ms. Saldana stated all the funds were spent on Downey families. The Whole child assisted 14 families. It costs $2,800 to house a family; $1250 for a family of five, with two- bedroom home, including deposit and a full month's rent. Ms. Saldana noted none of the funds received were used for administrative costs. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — May 26, 2015 4 It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Saab, seconded by Council Member Vasquez, and so ordered by Mayor Marquez to close the public hearing at 8:11 p.m. Council Member Vasquez requested the following amendments: consider maintaining Downey Unified School District (DUSD) 10 -20 Club and TLC funded the same as the previous year, and the difference of $150 be collected from other programming or where staff believes it is appropriate. Mayor Pro Tern Saab confirmed the difference in funds will have to come from another program. Council Member Vasquez confirmed requesting to split the difference across the board from the other programs. Mayor Pro Tern Saab seconded Council Member Vasquez's amendment. Council Member Brossmer stated he will be abstaining from this item due to his employment with DUSD. It was moved by Council Member Vasquez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Saab, to amend the allocations recommended by staff and maintain last year's TLC's and DUSD's 10 -20 Club allocation. Council Member Ashton stated it is difficult to decide who is more deserving and asked if it is possible to amend the motion to increase TLC's and DUSD's 10 -20 Club allocation by half of the proposed reduced amount. An amended motion was made by Council Member Ashton. It was moved by Council Member Vasquez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Saab, and carried 4 -0 -1, with Council Member Brossmer abstaining, to amend the allocations recommended by staff to increase TLC's and DUSD 10 -20 Club's allocation by half of the proposed reduced amount._ NON - AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT Marissa Castro- Salvati, Southern California Edison (SCE), provided an overview of the cutover project beginning June 15 through August 31. She advised SCE is sending out a notification in both English and Spanish to all impacted customers. The project location is east of Paramount Blvd., north of the 1 -5 Freeway, south of Telegraph Road and west of Lakewood Blvd. Council Member Brossmer inquired as to why SCE _is- conducting this project and why are poles being replaced. Ms. Castro - Salvati advised this project is being conducted in order to improve the circuit for improved reliability for customers; customers are going to be transferred to a higher voltage. The poles were evaluated for wind loading, and the new conductor will accommodate the weight and integrity of the poles. It is necessary to replace to new poles to accommodate the load. Mayor Pro Tern Saab asked how many days notice will residents receive and how will they receive notice. Ms. Castro- Salvati advised notices will be delivered by the end of this week or next week. Additional notices will be given to customers impacted throughout the project. Council Member Brossmer asked how long the power outages are. Ms. Castro- Salvati advised the power outage will be all day. Council Member Vasquez asked City Manager Livas if the City can use the reverse 9-1-1 system to notify residents. Chief Charles advised the reverse 911 can only be used during an emergency; it can be used for people who have already signed up for notification only. Mayor Pro Tern Saab noted this outage is quite impactful and there should be more effort to inform residents; one letter is not enough. Ms. Castro - Salvati stated she will advise the project team and notifications can be sent via email as well as voice notification and door -to- door notification. This process is typical of maintenance outages and outages are investing in the City to improve reliability. Council Member Ashton asked if the outages are across multiple days for a typical household. Ms. Castro - Salvati advised the cutover work will affect some households and a resident may experience more than one day of power outages, but not continuous multiple day outages. However, there should not be an outage for more than one day at a time, at a given household. Council Member Vasquez asked if there is a possibility of sending a 24 -hour notice of the City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — May 26, 2015 5 power outage. Ms. Castro = Salvati stated yes, she will follow up with SCE communications. Mayor Marquez requested the City work closely with SCE to coordinate communication to residents. Gail Courtney, Executive Director; Chamber of Commerce, provided an update on Chamber of Commerce events and programs. Jill Dolan, Downey resident, thanked Mayor Pro Tern Saab for listening to her concerns to advocate for recreation programs and services for kids with disabilities. Karen Caramino, Downey resident, thanked Mayor Pro Tern Saab for meeting with her regarding programs and services for kids with disabilities in Downey.- Joe Serrano, Downey resident, spoke regarding the City's parks and asked the City to improve safety at the parks, specifically Furman Park. CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Pro Tern Saab pulled Item No. 11 for discussion. If was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded by Council Member Vasquez, and unanimously carried, with Council Member Brossmer abstaining from Item No. 4 due to an employment conflict of interest with the Downey Unified School District, to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar. 2 APPROVED MINUTES: Special Meeting of April 28, 2015: City Clerk. 3. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 294026= 294423; Wire Nos. 30003323 — 30003327; Manual Wire Nos. 1336 – 1341, Cashier's Check Nos. 74 -76, in the total amount of $2,865,635.30: Finance. 4. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 15 -05 - ANNUAL MISCELLANEOUS CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION AND REPAIR PROJECT, AREA "D ", SCHOOL CAMPUS FRONTAGES AND OTHER LOCATIONS: AWARDED CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $544,796.00, TO MINAKO AMERICA CORPORATION DBA MINCO; AUTHORIZED THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ANY CHANGE ORDERS OR ADDITIONAL SCOPE OF WORK FOR THIS PROJECT DEEMED NECESSARY OR DESIRABLE UP TO THE APPROVED PROJECT BUDGET: Public Works. 5 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 15 -18 - CIVIC CENTER AND UTILITIES YARD ROOF REPLACEMENT PROJECT: ACCEPT THE PROJECT AS COMPLETE; APPROVED THE FINAL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $1,528,489.76; AND, AUTHORIZED THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR TO FILE THE NOTICE OF COMPLETION WITH THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY RECORDER'S OFFICE: Public Works. 6. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 15 -19 – DOWNEY THEATRE AND PUBLIC LIBRARY HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS RETROFIT PROJECT (PHASE 2): APPROVED A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH BUDLONG & ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL AND PLUMBING DESIGN SERVICES; AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT IN A FORM APPROVED BY THE CITY ATTORNEY; AND AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AMENDMENTS OR ADDITIONAL SCOPE OF WORK FOR THIS PROJECT, DEEMED NECESSARY OR DESIRABLE UP TO THE APPROVED PROJECT BUDGET: Public Works. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — May 26, 2015 6 9. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 15- 7558, -A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF LARRY CRUZ TO THE EMERGENCY PREPARDENESS COMMITTEE, DISTRICT 4: Council Member Vasquez. 1 r•` 1 - 4 *-161 Nil 1116101111110 • • • Z Kel • • be 12. FISCAL YEAR 2015/2016, LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPING DISTRICT AND ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 121: Public Works. ADOPTED RESOLUTION • • N OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF OF DOWNEY APPROVING •' FOR ASSESSMENTS WITHIN TH LIGHTING ■ LANDSCAPE DISTRICT, • 2015-2016; and ADOPTED RESOLUTION N• 115-7562 A RESOLUTION OF • OF OF DOWNEY DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO LEVY AND COLLECT LIGHTING AN LANDSCAPING ASSESSMENTS WITHIN THE LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPE DISTRIC ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 121 • - FISCAL YEAR 2015-2016; HEARING FOR 1 ON - • • D 15. AUTHORIZED VARIOUS STREET CLOSURES FOR THE CITY OF DOWNEY'S HOST TOWN COMMUNITY CONCERT EVENTS SCHEDULED FOR JULY 22, 2015: Parks & Recreation. 16. AUTHORIZED ;STAFF TO SUBMIT A GRANT REQUEST FOR THE EDWARD BRYNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT (JAG) PROGRAM 2015 LOCAL SOLICITATION: Police. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — May 26, 2015 7 OTHER BUSINESS 11. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 15 -7560, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING A MASTER LEASE - PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH OSHKOSH CAPITOL FOR THE PURCHASE AND FINANCING OF TWO REPLACEMENT FIRE ENGINES: Fire. Mayor Pro Tern Saab confirmed this is a lease to own and asked what the life span of these engines is. Chief Gillaspie stated yes, it is a lease to own; the final year payment is $1 to take ownership of the engine. Chief Gillaspie advised according to the Department's Vehicle Apparatus Replacement Schedule the lifespan of these engines is 10 years front line and 5 years as a reserve, for a total of 15 years. Mayor Pro Tern Saab asked what happens to the replaced engines. Chief Gillaspie stated the replaced engines will be taken to auction for a more successful sale through the auction process. It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Saab, seconded by Council Member Vasquez, and unanimously carried to adopt a resolution of the City Council of the City of Downey approving a master lease purchase agreement with Oshkosh Capitol for the purchase and financing of two replacement fire engines. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: None. STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS City Manager Livas thanked Assistant to the City Manager DeLong for implementing the City's Library card design art contest. RECESS /RECONVENE At 8:47 p.m., Mayor Marquez recessed the City Council Meeting to reconvene the Special City Council Meeting and immediately recessed to Closed Session. RECONVENE /ADJOURNMENT City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — May 26, 2015 8